ISSN:
1089-7674
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
The effect of optical prepulses on the performance of imploding inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets has been measured. The neutron yields from nearly identical spherical targets imploded by the OMEGA [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] laser were measured as a function of prepulse fluences in the drive laser. These experiments indicate that the cumulative prepulse fluence on target must be less than ∼0.2 J/cm2, which corresponds to a prepulse intensity contrast of ≥107. This effect is the result of damage to the Al barrier layer used on OMEGA ICF targets. To verify this, the effect of low-intensity irradiation on these Al layers was observed on planar targets using the time-resolved reflectivity and the time-integrated transmission measurements. These experiments show that damage to the Al layers begins at ∼0.1 J/cm2, consistent with the implosion performance results. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1324663
